4.1 Vergil & the Aeneid

The epic

Vergil (Publius Vergilius Maro, 70–19 BCE) wrote the Aeneid, Rome's national epic in 12 books of dactylic hexameter. It tells how the Trojan hero Aeneas journeys to Italy to found the Roman race.

Its purpose

Written under the emperor Augustus, the poem links Rome's origins to the Trojan War and glorifies Rome's destiny to rule. Aeneas embodies pietas — duty to gods, family, and country.

The opening

It begins 'Arma virumque cano' ('I sing of arms and the man'), announcing its two themes: war and the hero Aeneas. The goddess Juno's anger drives much of the plot.

Key terms

Vergil

author of the Aeneid (70–19 BCE)

Aeneas

Trojan hero destined to found the Roman race

dactylic hexameter

the meter of Latin epic

'Arma virumque cano'

'I sing of arms and the man' — the opening

pietas

duty to gods, family, and country — Aeneas's defining virtue

Try an AP-style question

The Aeneid was written under the patronage of…

1. Julius Caesar
2. Trajan
3. Nero
4. Augustus